From the Guidelines
Concerta (methylphenidate) can cause several side effects, including appetite loss, abdominal pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance, as well as potential effects on growth velocity and cardiac function, as evidenced by the 2019 clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents 1. The most common short-term adverse effects of Concerta are:
- Appetite loss
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbance These side effects are typically mild and clinically insignificant, but can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. In addition to these common side effects, Concerta can also affect growth velocity, with studies showing a decrease in growth velocity of 1 to 2 cm from predicted adult height, particularly among children who receive higher and more consistently administered doses of stimulants 1. Cardiac function is also a concern, as Concerta can increase heart rate and blood pressure to a mild and clinically insignificant degree, although a subset of individuals (5%–15%) may experience more substantial increases in HR and BP 1. It is essential to monitor vital signs and obtain a thorough medical history, including cardiac symptoms and family history, before initiating therapy with Concerta 1. Other potential side effects of Concerta include hallucinations and other psychotic symptoms, although these are rare 1. Overall, while Concerta can be an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, it is crucial to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks, particularly in terms of growth velocity and cardiac function, and to closely monitor patients for any adverse effects 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Oral Solution may cause serious side effects, including:
- Painful and prolonged erections (priapism).
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon)
- Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children.
- Eye problems (increased pressure in the eye and glaucoma)
- New or worsening tics or worsening Tourette’s syndrome. The most common side effects of Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Oral Solution include:
- Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Irregular heart beat (palpitations)
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
The side effects of Concerta (methylphenidate) include serious side effects such as painful and prolonged erections, circulation problems, slowing of growth in children, eye problems, and new or worsening tics. Common side effects include increased heart rate, headache, anxiety, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping 2.
From the Research
Side Effects of Concerta (Methylphenidate)
- Common side effects of methylphenidate include:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sleeping disorders
- Irritability
- Headache 3
- Psychiatric side effects such as:
- Psychosis
- Mania
- Visual hallucinations
- Agitation
- Suicidal ideas 3
- Depressive symptoms have been reported as an uncommon side effect in some cases 3
- Side effects on children's sleep and appetite were similar for Concerta and immediate-release methylphenidate 4
- Long-acting methylphenidate (Concerta) has been associated with a lower risk of abuse, but its greater availability increases the likelihood of ingestion of this nature 5
- Adverse events reported in clinical trials include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Dyspnea 6
Online Information about Methylphenidate's Side Effects
- Most websites provide dependable quality information on side effects, but several seem to list excessive side-effects 7
- The British National Formulary for Children (BNFC) is considered the 'gold standard' for information on methylphenidate's side effects 7